9 Training Points for the Forklift Operator

Even simple hand tools can’t be used efficiently or safely by people not trained or experienced with them. Forklift trucks are complicated industrial machines that can be dangerous if used by people who are not trained. Lift trucks are not all the same. Even if you are trained on one type it does not mean you can operate any machine or do any job.

OSHA and ANSI require that formal training, specific to the place where you work, must be given to the forklift operator. On-the-job training must be a part of any training program, but it must really be training with close supervision, not just driving around or being assigned to a potentially dangerous job without gradual increases in difficulty.

Increased safety and fewer accidents are major benefits of proper training, but so are decreased costs due to better efficiency, decreased maintenance costs, and lower product damage rate.

When people successfully complete the training course, give them recognition for it. Issue authorization cards or jacket patches that show they are authorized operators, and if possible assign them to one truck that they have the responsibility for. Contact your dealer and battery manufacturer for help in putting together a training course suited to your operation and think about the following areas as they apply to the work you do:

Forklift Operator Safety Ideas

How and where to perform daily truck inspections (OSHA regulation for every shift in multiple shift operations).

The examples above are intended to be thought joggers, not necessarily all of the things that need to be taught to your operators. Before putting your training course together, walk around the plant, look at your operations, and ask people who work there if they know of ways to teach the forklift operator how to become safer and more efficient.

Have any others points you’d like to make? We would enjoy hearing from you. Post your ideas or comments below, let’s start a dialog.

For more information, insights or conversations regarding your forklift or material handling needs. You can visit our online contact form, call me at 763-315-9288 or email kthill@toyotaequipment.com. We would welcome the opportunity to cover your material handling questions or concerns. Toyota Lift of Minnesota works very hard to be your partner, and material handling consultant. You can also use our contact form below!